Measuring Apparatus Using Segmented Imaging Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the position and orientation of a target component in industrial assembly processes using robot technologies face accuracy issues due to the use of wavelength dividing elements, which are prone to measurement errors from deformation, vibration, and temperature changes, especially when using dichroic prisms for separating light beams of different wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus that employs a first illumination unit for pattern light of one wavelength and a second illumination unit for bright light of a different wavelength, utilizing a wavelength dividing element to separate light into transmitted and reflected components, with dedicated imaging elements and a processor to obtain accurate three-dimensional and edge images, minimizing measurement errors by controlling light beam shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dichroic prism is used to separate light beams of different wavelengths, then both range images and grayscale images can be obtained simultaneously, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to light beam shifts caused by prism deformation, vibration, or temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate channels: one for range images and one for grayscale images. By using two independent imaging elements instead of relying on a single dichroic prism to split light, the system eliminates the beam shift problem while maintaining simultaneous acquisition capability. Each imaging element captures its respective image type independently, ensuring measurement accuracy is not compromised by prism deformation or vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component to separate the light paths for range and grayscale imaging. This beam splitter acts as a stable optical mediator that divides the incoming light into two separate paths without the wavelength-dependent beam shift characteristics of dichroic prisms. The beam splitter enables simultaneous image acquisition while maintaining positional stability for accurate measurement.
2Measurement precision
If images are obtained by time shift to avoid superimposition of pattern light on edge information, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but assembly speed decreases due to sequential imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capabilities of sequential imaging with simultaneous acquisition by using two imaging elements that operate in parallel. The system combines the edge detection capability from grayscale imaging with the three-dimensional shape information from range imaging, achieving both high measurement accuracy and fast assembly speed through simultaneous rather than sequential image capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal separation (time-shifted imaging) to spatial separation (parallel imaging channels). By adding the dimension of parallel processing with two independent imaging elements, the system achieves simultaneous acquisition of both edge and range information, eliminating the trade-off between accuracy and speed.
3Speed
If pattern light is superimposed on the edge of the target component to obtain both grayscale and range images from a single imaging element, then imaging speed is maintained, but edge detection error occurs reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function by assigning dedicated imaging elements to specific tasks: one imaging element is dedicated to capturing grayscale images for edge detection, while another is dedicated to capturing range images with pattern light. This segmentation eliminates the interference between pattern light and edge information that occurs in single-element systems, maintaining both high imaging speed and edge detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each imaging channel for its specific purpose. The grayscale imaging channel is optimized for edge detection with appropriate illumination and imaging parameters, while the range imaging channel is optimized for three-dimensional shape capture. Each channel operates with specialized settings that maximize its performance without interfering with the other channel's quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures improved measurement accuracy by reducing the impact of light beam shifts caused by dichroic prism deformation or orientation changes, maintaining high precision for both range and grayscale images, even under conditions of object movement and varying ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system including a wavelength dividing element configured to divide the light from the object simultaneously illuminated by the first illumination unit and the second illumination unit into a light component of the first wavelength and a light component of the second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the first imaging element receives the pattern light of the first wavelength reflected by the object, which is light transmitted through the wavelength dividing element
Implementation Method 3
the second imaging element receives the light of the second wavelength reflected by the object, which is light reflected by the wavelength dividing element
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus includes an optical system including a wavelength dividing element that divides light from an object simultaneously illuminated by first and second illumination units into a light component of a first wavelength and a light component of a second wavelength. A first imaging element receives a pattern light of the first wavelength reflected by the object, which is light transmitted through the wavelength dividing element but never reflected by the wavelength dividing element, thereby obtaining a first image representing a three-dimensional shape of the object. A second imaging element receives the light of the second wavelength reflected by the object, which is light reflected by the wavelength dividing element, thereby obtaining a second image representing an edge of the object.